Japan Targets 0% Food Tax as LDP Wins Landslide; Israel Tightens West Bank Control – 2/11/2026, 12:25:12 PM

Here are the major world news developments:

Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Saiakawa announced plans to push for a 0% consumption tax on food by summer following the Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in lower house elections[1]. With the LDP securing a two-thirds majority, Saiakawa indicated readiness to pursue constitutional amendments and called on opposition parties to join a proposed National Council on Social Security Reform[1].

Israel-Palestine: Israel’s security cabinet approved new measures to tighten control over the occupied West Bank, including expanding enforcement powers in areas A and B and restoring a committee to purchase land for settlement expansion[1]. Finance Minister Bezaleel Smatri stated these moves would significantly change the legal and civil situation in the territory[1]. These measures come ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington[1].

France-Europe: French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europe to act like a global power amid rising challenges from China, Russia, and the United States[1]. He urged EU members to strengthen cooperation in economy, defense, security, and democracy, and renewed his call for shared European debt or euro bonds to raise hundreds of billions of euros for major investments in key sectors[1]. Macron stated the 27-member EU needs around €1.2 trillion annually to invest in key sectors and protect its industries[1].

Iran-Middle East: Iran is activating diplomatic channels and engaging regional allies as Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Washington for talks with Donald Trump, with quiet meetings in Oman and outreach to the Houthis signaling Tehran’s attempt to build leverage[3].

India: The World Bank approved $245 million in financing to help 2.3 million people in Himachal Pradesh rebuild resilient infrastructure following extreme weather events that caused an estimated $1 billion in losses[4].

Philippines: Two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were officially dismissed, and Philippine Senate President Tito Sotto criticized the Chinese embassy for dismissing a recent senate resolution[2].